The Force of Justice - IC Thread

[Purr]

Dreamy paid very close attention to American Spirit and Francesca's information so that she could recall it later. Information like that had repeated value to the Kairissian.

Everyone on the Force has me on speed dial on their phones."

Dreamy answers. "Phone? You mean those devices that mesmerize and paralyze Carbonites everywhere? I don't have one of those or the knowledge of how one operates such a thing. But if someone shows me, I'll practice it a lot if you want me to?"

Dreamy watches Colt Campbell closely as he speaks, silently taking interest in his ideas, those she fully understood.

 

[Psychie]

Deborah listens intently to the many details being brought up by the leaders of the team, feeling reassured that her identity will be kept safe. Not even her family knows that she has the Melari symbiote in her, and at least for now, she plans on keeping it that way.

She asks, "Assuming we join in this team, are we going to be given communicators to be able to stay in touch with one another? Also, are we expected to be housed here in this building? Is there any sort of salary associated with being a member of the FoJ? I hate to sound mundane with my concerns, but I do have bills to be paid, and if I am going to be on call for emergencies, it will be much harder to maintain a job outside of the team."

 

[Sherwood]

Colt would take a seat and make himself comfortable as things were beginning to be explained to them. He, as well, took a light beer, as offered by a passing waiting. Nothing too hard for him, never know when an emergency could pop up.

"I haven't explored this facility yet, but I can imagine that you spared no expense. And I would go as far to assume that you accounted for those like TARU, Steel, and I when designing this place. As such I imagine that you have labs and workshops available for us to do our work. For specific needs and projects, to what degree would we be allowed or able to make modifications should we determine such changes would be beneficial to our upkeep and performance?"


"Tying into that question, is a matter of resources and contribution. So please do not take me asking this as me being greedy, but instead as something that I feel I would need to plan around. What is the budget or stipend you are giving to the team or individual, if any? Amd would we be allowed to bring in our own resources and innovations to build in the foundation you have set in place?"

At this point, another man in a fine suit says, "I am Mark Wallace, your accountant for the team. There is research and lab workshop space available, but at this moment, they are mostly empty spaces waiting for the needs of the team to be made known so they can be filled with the appropriate gear. There is a machine shop and electrical shop already fitted out, though. But we are quite willing to work with your specific needs to maintain your equipment in top shape, without having you forced to fly to the South Pole to get repairs."

She asks, "Assuming we join in this team, are we going to be given communicators to be able to stay in touch with one another? Also, are we expected to be housed here in this building? Is there any sort of salary associated with being a member of the FoJ? I hate to sound mundane with my concerns, but I do have bills to be paid, and if I am going to be on call for emergencies, it will be much harder to maintain a job outside of the team."

Mark nods to both Colt and Luminary. "Yes, you will be getting a salary, along with access to one of the suites located here in the building that you can use at your leisure. This salary does not include anything you might earn by making personal appearances and publicity events, or by merchandising. I can see a whole line of products being produced of the team once we go public with the West Coast roster."

At this point, Blue Bolt makes the comment, "Now, not everyone is going to be interested in being seen walking up to the private entrance of the building. We do have cover stories available for those wishing to have a secret identity but maintain a residence here by saying you are one of the many new employees of the FoJ. But there are also other ways into the main building that will be able to maintain your private lives that we can share with you once you are in the team. I hope that no one takes offense from the lack of details on this, but there are layers of security we will be able to reveal to you once you have agreed to join the team."

 

[Purr]

I hope that no one takes offense from the lack of details on this, but there are layers of security we will be able to reveal to you once you have agreed to join the team."

"Certainly not me, Bluebelled! Blue Belt? Oh! Blue Bolt! Secrets are important!"

Dreamy takes the cocoa-filled steel jar in her hands and wraps part of her hair around it, careful not to accidentally immerse any part of her hair into the powdered liquid. That section of her hair turns a slightly brighter shade of red, and slowly, the jar and its contents begin to warm.

"Salary? We're talking about money now, aren't we? You have a shop? A gift shop? Well, I like to model! Maybe I could model for the Force of Justice? But I would also like some help in return especially when it comes to making... fireproof... swimsuits."

Dreamy frowns deeply as she reaches one hand back behind her neck and under her hair. From her neck pouch, the beautiful alien produces a sorry-looking blackened wreckage about 3 inches long and barely half an inch wide. Whatever it was in its former life, it is a burned to a charred crisp now.

"It's my fault! I forgot! I burned one of my Sun Top swimsuits and now it looks like this! Maybe you could help me make fireproof swimsuits I could model in?"

Having never heard the word "suite" before, Dreamy asks, "What is a 'sweet' and what do you do with it? Isn't this a sweet?" She holds up her cocoa.

"And what do we need communicators for?"

 

[Epiphany]

The others seemed to have Ultraweapon handled. Lady Justice could have spoken up but the sheer eagerness of everyone else present, both candidates and formal FoJ members alike, made the task unnecessary. Almost suspiciously so.

Was this a setup? Have a long-time team member play the bigot card for a tactical purpose? It seemed unlikely a genuine prejudice against aliens could have remained concealed for so long. Lady Liberty, American Spirit, TARU, they all said the right things in response...exactly the right things to make all the candidates here see these heroes as on their side.

Why, though? What did someone like Lady Liberty have to gain with this gambit, besides swiftly winning respect and trust she likely already had from all of the candidates here?

Bryony shook her head at herself. Too much spook work, in years past. Not -everything- had an agenda. But if someone here did, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out to see what happened next.

She did accept a drink offer, asking for a Pepsi on ice.

D. Rex
Colt asked some very fine questions. Her inner gauge on the kind of man he was ticked upwards. It was also interesting to realize some of those here already had existing responsibilities. Much as she did, or had.

Purr
Dreamy continued to be...well, dreamy. Such an innocent soul. Would that spirit survive the kind of work that a superhero team might face?

When asked, Bryony smiled and said, "I'm publicly known as Lady Justice when in costume. 'Justice' or 'Lady' are both fine, though this is the first time I've met Lady Liberty so maybe sticking with 'Justice' would be the clearest way to get my attention if we're in a fight together."

"While off-duty, you can call me Bry. Bryony Santos. I generally avoid answering to my real name while in costume, on the advice of ICM Partners' legal team, but if you slip, it's not a big deal to me, chica."

Sherwood
As the Force of Justice members tag-team on answering questions and laying out details, Lady Justice nodded along in places, making mental notes.

"At some point, my support team will need to talk to your support team. ICM Partners has a vested interest and stake in my work over the last two years. While I, and they, would be delighted to work with the fine heroes here, there will doubtless be some administrative, logistical and legal terms to talk out. If you could ask your people to call my people, or give me your people's contact info, I'm sure someone in a different kind of suit than ours would appreciate it."

Bryony flashed her teeth in an expression that was nominally a smile but lacked any genuine humor in it. More like fatigue with the tedium of such things.

The mention of a salary was an intriguing element. Unlike the others here, Bryony made virtually nothing from her publicity or merchandising rights due to her contract with ICM Partners. Another independent income source, though, might be -very- nice for making sure her brothers and sisters could go to college without going in debt.

As the last to speak, Lady Justice took her time in choosing her words. At last, she sipped her Pepsi, put it down and said, "Thank you again for having us here, for being gracious hosts and for your interest in what we can bring to the team. Let's talk a little about that. As Lieutenant Reeves mentioned, you've all obviously done your homework on us. You have an idea of what we can do, what we've done in the past. I'm assuming you already see us as fairly good fits or we wouldn't be here having this conversation." She flashed another smile, this one far more genuine.

"But I have a hunch that this isn't all entirely for our benefit. If we're going to work with the Force of Justice, there's a great deal we'll need to know and I appreciate what you've already laid out from our questions. So here's mine at last: What are you looking for? From us? In us? We're here, in person. If we join, we'll be putting our lives in each other's hands." Looking at Blue Bolt specifically, Lady Justice said, "If you're on point for calling the shots on this team, what's your leadership style? How do you call the shots? If you're on the fence about any of us, or maybe about us in specific situations, what would you like to ask us to settle that question so we can see if this is going to be a good fit in both directions?"

Lady Justice folded her hands on the table in front of her, back straight, eyes forward, attention focused. She looked intent as she waited for an answer.

 

[Silanon]

Having never heard the word "suite" before, Dreamy asks, "What is a 'sweet' and what do you do with it? Isn't this a sweet?" She holds up her cocoa.

Not that kind of 'sweet'. S-u-i-t-e" - Nisha spells the word out - "just a fancy word for a place to live. A room or two in the building here, so that we don't have to go elsewhere to sleep every week." She nods at Mark. "Details about that would be appreciated. How much space there is. Safety. Privacy. That sort of thing. There'll be other people in the building, and I don't need any of them snooping around. I'd also need a place to work without distractions. With a replaceable carpet, preferably. And a safe way for others to contact me - I like to not be immediately available all the time. Which goes back to the question about the communicators; clearly, you've figured out a good way for yourselves."

A short pause." Discretion is good. If things work out, put me on the employee list as something that doesn't involve books, old tongues, or history."

"Speaking of books - is there a library? A workshop every now and then is necessary, even for me. But uncommon knowledge is what I, and likely others, need on a daily basis."

"But I have a hunch that this isn't all entirely for our benefit. If we're going to work with the Force of Justice, there's a great deal we'll need to know and I appreciate what you've already laid out from our questions. So here's mine at last: What are you looking for? From us? In us? We're here, in person. If we join, we'll be putting our lives in each other's hands." Looking at Blue Bolt specifically, Lady Justice said, "If you're on point for calling the shots on this team, what's your leadership style? How do you call the shots? If you're on the fence about any of us, or maybe about us in specific situations, what would you like to ask us to settle that question so we can see if this is going to be a good fit in both directions?"

"Tied to that - there's another point that comes to mind. Right now, there's one in charge, and no other structure, right? Does that mean that we'll be equals" - she points out some of the other candidates - "or are there plans to choose several among us to take the lead? I don't mind orders, in general - but I'd like to know where they'll come from before I decide."

She takes a sip from her own drink - black coffee. Whatever comes out of this, it'll at least allow her to skip the Starbucks visit today.

 

[Sherwood]

Lady Liberty explains, "For the first four months, you will be in a probationary period where you will be considered to be junior members of the Force. After that, you will be considered to be full members of the team." She then looks over at Dawn and nods, "Yes, we have a small library, but if there is any special books that you have in mind to try and stock, you will have to let us know so we can provide them. Otherwise, everyone will be given a tablet so you can access any of the books in our computer."

At this point, of the Legion duplicates says, "Oh, good. Our last invited guest has arrived and will be up here momentarily."

QuickSmasherEXE

Miles Crawford, AKA Chaser, comes strolling into the dining room, escorted by the butlers from downstairs and he is shown to a seat. (OOC Please let us know how you would be dressed for the dinner, either in your hero costume or in something else.) American Spirit and Lady Liberty both quickly go through the introductions for everyone, making sure that everyone knows one another.

Depending on how you choose to arrive at the dinner, Miles would be addressed as either Mr. Crawford or Chaser, and welcomed to the meeting quite warmly by Lady Liberty. She seems to be about to say more, but now is the time that the waiters start to bring out plates of food and setting them down in front of you. It is clear that the people here have done their homework on you; the meals in front of you (for those that eat, that is) are your most commonly ordered foods when you are out at a restaurant. TARU's seat doesn't have anything at it, but the construct still sits at the table with everyone.

The food is all excellent, the equal to any fancy four star restaurant you've ever been at, and the portions are a good size to make sure that you are all satisfied with the quantity. During dinner, both American Spirit and Lady Liberty both do their best to pause the question and answer session so that everyone can enjoy the meal.

As the meal wraps up, American Spirit stretches and stands up. He says, "So! Many of you have been asking questions about the labs, the library and the rooms that are located here. Shall we go on a quick tour and let you see some of the areas that will be off limits to the general public? Give everyone a chance to see for yourselves what we have been talking about?"

 

[Silanon]

Lady Liberty explains, "For the first four months, you will be in a probationary period where you will be considered to be junior members of the Force. After that, you will be considered to be full members of the team." She then looks over at Dawn and nods, "Yes, we have a small library, but if there is any special books that you have in mind to try and stock, you will have to let us know so we can provide them. Otherwise, everyone will be given a tablet so you can access any of the books in our computer."

No further differences of note between the candidates, it seems. Fine by her, but perhaps problematic. By nature, everyone here is used to work in his own way. The books - good news. There are some books that were beyond reach, thus far - if only because they would have called for investigation if someone would have noticed. The League - well, less of an obvious giveaway if they get a hold of weird stuff, compared to a private person trying to strike the same deal. "Good to hear. I'd prepare a list then. If it comes to it, don't order them all at once. Some are... pretty specific. And rare enough to be noticed."

The new arrival gets a short nod, little more. Not like she was all that chatty before, and one more certainly won't change that habit. Likely more of the opposite - one more to watch, if things go wrong.

There's little time to contemplate. There's food. And, for a moment, quite a lot of things to worry about. Real worries, not the kind to brush away without another thought. For seconds, Nisha eyes that fish on the plate as if there's poison or acid leaking out of its mouth. Asking herself how the heck they knew that trout's simply the best. There are fresh vegetables too. The kind of meal that one orders when one usually lives off coffee, nutty snacks and a single, improvised meal each week, but feels like eating something real for once.... like she does, every once in a while. A luxury she should've avoided, maybe... but the body sometimes remembers what it once had. Salad, for example. These days, it usually withers before she actually remembers that it's waiting in the fridge, so she's stopped bothering with that. There are some fresh, green leaves on the plate, now. Not too much, though. Not too much of anything, really, which means that the plate likely looks quite empty compared to some of the others. There's no need for more. These days, her body mostly feeds on knowledge, not food. And right now, it thirsts for the knowledge how they managed to observe her without being noticed. Sure, it's them, but it could've been others, too.

"Eating out at Fred's, every now and then?" Fred's the owner of her favorite place, and now higher on the list of possible traitors. The question is directed at Lady Liberty, and fails to hide a certain edge to her voice. Of course, they somehow needed to learn about the potential candidates. Discreetly, in case they didn't meet expectations. Seeing direct, though well-meant, proof of that - well, it should not have surprised her, really, and yet caught her off-guard. Not good. Perhaps a sign that her head is a step ahead already. The new books alone would be tempting, though... so maybe best to not offend future allies over necessities. "It's a good place", she adds, trying to backpedal a little. The hint of an apologetical smile shows. "This is better, though." And it certainly is. Books are expensive, after all - don't leave room for an extravagant lifestyle. Especially if one doesn't want to show up in the places for the rich, where every move is observed by someone.

Spoiler: OOC

I'll leave it at that and don't react to the last part yet. Want to give Quick a chance to present the character, but just had the reaction in mind and wrote it down real quick.

 

[Psychie]

Deborah in her Luminary guise normally doesn't need to eat, but she can still do so for the sheer enjoyment of the food. Besides, as a struggling college student, it is a very rare day for her to be able to afford a good steak like this, so she tears into the meal with gusto. "Mmmm. This is wonderful. Please send my best to the chef."

As she eats, she does a lot of talking with the Dude in her head, trying to see if he can spot any negatives that she does not to joining the team. Just think; I can quit my current job and take advantage of the cover story of working for the FoJ as a secretary or something, freeing me up to both focus on my dissertation and work at the observatory, and still be able to work as Luminary to do some serious good in the world!

The Melari presence in her gives a mental version of a agreeable nod. Yes, you can do all of that. The Force of Justice has been a particularly effective group in the superhero world for some time, making it less likely that this is all a part of a scam.

Then, when the American Spirit rises up and offers to show them around the tower, she is once more excited. "I would be very much interested in seeing more of this place, especially if it turns out that I will be a part of this team."

 

[QuickSmasherEXE]

"This salary does not include anything you might earn by making personal appearances and publicity events, or by merchandising. I can see a whole line of products being produced of the team once we go public with the West Coast roster."

Speak of the Devil-

Miles Crawford, AKA Chaser, comes strolling into the dining room, escorted by the butlers from downstairs and he is shown to a seat. (OOC Please let us know how you would be dressed for the dinner, either in your hero costume or in something else.) American Spirit and Lady Liberty both quickly go through the introductions for everyone, making sure that everyone knows one another.

Depending on how you choose to arrive at the dinner, Miles would be addressed as either Mr. Crawford or Chaser, and welcomed to the meeting quite warmly by Lady Liberty.

"Yo!" Chaser boomed. He threw his arms out in an an exaggerated greeting. "What is up, everybody?"

He was wearing his costume, a black bodysuit with generous neon purple highlights. The outfit left his face exposed, scratchy facial hair included, and featured a pair of goggles which he had pulled up over his forehead. There was no point in wearing them without Twitch integration active.

A large, worn-out, puke-green book bag was slung over his shoulder and filled near to bursting. Miles unzipped it, dropped it, did a lap around the room, and caught it before it hit the ground. By then the bag was half empty, and everyone in attendence found themselves newly in possession of an oversized "Chase Naysh" hoodie. Miles figured it was better to go a size over than under.

She seems to be about to say more, but now is the time that the waiters start to bring out plates of food and setting them down in front of you. It is clear that the people here have done their homework on you; the meals in front of you (for those that eat, that is) are your most commonly ordered foods when you are out at a restaurant.

He strutted over to the table at normal speed and finally took a seat. "Hope y'all doin' good," Miles said, then pointed to a small black camera attached to his chest. "Don't worry about this thing by the way, it's turned off. All y'all's secrets are safe with me." He smirked and picked up his fork and knife, his enthusiasm dying down as he cut into the Filet Mignon of his Surf n' Turf.

"So! Many of you have been asking questions about the labs, the library and the rooms that are located here. Shall we go on a quick tour and let you see some of the areas that will be off limits to the general public? Give everyone a chance to see for yourselves what we have been talking about?"

Chaser pushed his chair out, leaving a piece of lobster tail to drown in a ramekin of butter and half the surf still on his plate. "Sounds good to me man. I don't know what you guys were talking about but it's gotta be something neat if it's all top secret and stuff." He made some spooky motions with his hands.

 

[Sherwood]

Both American Spirit and Lady Liberty/Francesca talk as they walk, some to get Chaser caught up on the conversation from earlier and some to be the tour guides for the West Coast offices of the Force of Justice. It is an impressive building, with lots of amenities to keep a person very happy; unless you are sealed away in the FoJ's holding cells as you wait transport to the local police lock-up.

As far as rooms go, everyone that is going to be a part of the team will have a personal suite assigned to you, even if you choose not to stay in the FoJ's building full time. You can decorate it as you wish up to the point of taking out walls; they draw the line at that. Other things in the building are interesting to see; there are many spaces set aside for lab work, a small library, and on the roof there is a landing pad for helicopters, the team's jet, or any other aircraft that may be flying in. Currently in the hangar there are a pair of sleek black jets that look like a cross between a SR-71 and a Lear jet, X-men style. With your technical skills, Colt would be able to tell that these jets are VTOL capable, and look to be able to hit Mach speed without a problem.

While you are ooohing and aaahing at the building's many features, the dark hero known as Kodachi asks, "Why are there so many of us being asked to join the team here? How big of a threat do you anticipate us facing with so many heroes here?"

Francesca says, "Its not a typical thing for even the East Coast team to respond with the full roster to a threat. What if it is just a diversion, and there is another attack or threat coming from some other direction? This many people here will allow you to split your numbers and still have a strong team to respond to a problem, and then be able to call in support from the others if there is a big enough issue to warrant it."

Further along on the tour, American Spirit brings you down to the third floor, where he comes to a stop at a beautiful indoor garden and takes a seat on one of the benches there with a relaxed sigh. He says, "This is one of my favorite parts of the tower, the garden. Very relaxing. Lets me get my Zen on." He chuckles, then says, "Well, we have given you the grand tour, and have answered your questions as fully as we can until you agree to sign on with us. All we can do now is ask, do you wish to be a part of this organization? You all do good works by yourselves; just imagine what you can do with a team with our backing."

 

[Purr]

Not that kind of 'sweet'. S-u-i-t-e" - Nisha spells the word out - "just a fancy word for a place to live. A room or two in the building here, so that we don't have to go elsewhere to sleep every week."

Dreamy mentally ingests this information diligently then gives Nisha a bright smile. "'Suite'. Rooms. Sleep-rooms. Bedrooms?" She thought of her young Carbonite buddies at one of her charities whose lifeglows were likely to not last nearly as long than the Carbonite average due to their differing sicknesses and bodily breakdowns. They had bedrooms too. That's where they... slept. Slept! Like a juvenile in a classroom who doesn't want to be caught talking out of turn by the teacher, Dreamy leans over to Nisha and urgently whispers, "But I don't sleep! That's a Carbonite thing. What am I supposed to do with the suite? Would you like it?"

"Speaking of books - is there a library? A workshop every now and then is necessary, even for me. But uncommon knowledge is what I, and likely others, need on a daily basis."

Dreamy sat up when Nisha asks this. A library here? That would save her from needing a San Francisco Public Library card! Wait. Would this place provide the address she needed for the application? There was no end to her questions...

She then looks over at Dawn and nods, "Yes, we have a small library, but if there is any special books that you have in mind to try and stock, you will have to let us know so we can provide them. Otherwise, everyone will be given a tablet so you can access any of the books in our computer."

"Oh, a library! That's just fantastic!" Dreamy puts down her warm cocoa and claps excitedly. She didn't need a library card here! That meant no application and no waiting period! But... wasn't a tablet some kind of pill? The Outlaws would take medicine via pills and something to drink. How would a medicine tablet help her to read books? So many questions!

Lady Liberty explains, "For the first four months, you will be in a probationary period where you will be considered to be junior members of the Force. After that, you will be considered to be full members of the team."

This process was time-based, not based on merit? Not the number of wrongdoers apprehended or recycled? Carbonites assisted or saved from the loss of their lifeglows? Bright nebulae, all she had to do was be good and wait? Well, the Kairissian figures, it's their realm so it's their rules!

"Good to hear. I'd prepare a list then. If it comes to it, don't order them all at once. Some are... pretty specific. And rare enough to be noticed."

Nisha sounded like someone who studied, too. Dreamy found that she liked the idea of working with someone who constantly sought to expand themselves. Of course, whatever Nisha was studying was her own business - Dreamy was just hoping the books Nisha was looking for were not the same books Dreamy was interested in - or there would be a waiting period. Still, libraries were fair about these things!

Deborah in her Luminary guise normally doesn't need to eat, but she can still do so for the sheer enjoyment of the food. Besides, as a struggling college student, it is a very rare day for her to be able to afford a good steak like this, so she tears into the meal with gusto. "Mmmm. This is wonderful. Please send my best to the chef."

"Mine too!" Dreamy adds in the way a person does when they are trying to fit into a culture as opposed to already being part of it. Dreamy played more than ate her choice of food at first. While the cocoa was nice, her banana split with Neapolitan ice cream, was much more interesting! The whipped cream, the banana slices, the chopped nuts, and three - three! - different colors of ice cream all set under a rich chocolate drizzle was just fun to play with! When she realizes the others are finishing up their meals, Dreamy tactfully removes hers in a similar fashion - by placing it in her mouth, breaking it down with her teeth and tongue, and then letting the items dissolve. She did not swallow food for there was nowhere for it to go. Still, she enjoyed every bite - so many combinations of colors, textures, and flavors! Banana splits were fun and they tasted sooo gooo!

"Yo!" Chaser boomed. He threw his arms out in an an exaggerated greeting. "What is up, everybody?"

Dreamy resists the urge to look up at the ceiling as she once did before her young Carbonite buddies taught her that "what's up" is a greeting, not a query or observation. In Dreamy's universe, the very direction of up was in itself the best place to look, especially at night, where the stars twinkled by the thousands and the clouds drifted by against the glow of this world's lone moon.

"Hello and welcome!" she replies.

A large, worn-out, puke-green book bag was slung over his shoulder and filled near to bursting. Miles unzipped it, dropped it, did a lap around the room, and caught it before it hit the ground. By then the bag was half empty, and everyone in attendence found themselves newly in possession of an oversized "Chase Naysh" hoodie. Miles figured it was better to go a size over than under.

Dreamy gasps as she beholds the incredible celerity demonstrated by the gregarious Carbonite superhero. Now that, she remarks internally, is speed! I wonder if time slows for him as he projects himself or is it like it is with us where time simply follows its own rate regardless of the mode of travel or the molecular make-up of the body performing the transportation? Do his senses keep up with his pace? Oh, I can only imagine tripping on something at such a terrific velocity! Do his superpowers change his mass? Is he telekinetically-moving? I don't see a 'power armor' on him. Perhaps its particle-acceleration via--"

Then the hoodie falls into her lap as if it were teleported there.

"Ooh, a gift! Thank you..." she reads the hoodie and mixes up his name, "...Chaser Naysh! That is nice of you!" Dreamy feels this fastest-of-all-Carbonites is generous, too! She finds herself feeling good that he wasn't mean like Ultraweapon. Making certain that her hair is lukewarm, Dreamy pulls the hoodie over her head. Her hands poke out and she carefully tucks her hair and pulls the hood over until the garment reaches the tops of her thighs and only the golden skin of her face and cheery blue eyes peek out. "How does it look?" she asks anyone who might be looking at her.

Further along on the tour, American Spirit brings you down to the third floor, where he comes to a stop at a beautiful indoor garden and takes a seat on one of the benches there with a relaxed sigh. He says, "This is one of my favorite parts of the tower, the garden. Very relaxing. Lets me get my Zen on."

Dreamy takes in the garden with every one of her senses, Spatial Awareness included. She takes a deep breath to enjoy the scents and tastes of the garden air. "You really have a beautiful planet, you know!" Dreamy pauses as she touches flowers with her fingertips. "There is sooo much pure water here! There really isn't another world like this nearby, so I like it when you take moments like this to appreciate it all. Where is your Zen?" Not having any idea what Zen is, Dreamy briefly looks at American Spirit for another garment, perhaps a hoodie, that has landed in his lap. Finding none, Dreamy tries to find a flower that would look inside her new hoodie.

He chuckles, then says, "Well, we have given you the grand tour, and have answered your questions as fully as we can until you agree to sign on with us. All we can do now is ask, do you wish to be a part of this organization? You all do good works by yourselves; just imagine what you can do with a team with our backing."

Dreamy shifts mental gears. "Logic suggests that if we do nice works alone, we can, if we are compatible, perform much nicer works when our talents are combined. I imagine, Carbonites being what they are, there are mean organizations too. It appears likely that none of us alone are powerful enough to face their threat. In this sense, the merging of our talents is essential to take on that which endangers normal Carbonites and even the planet itself. But are we compatible as a team? Are we compatible as members of your... strange agency?"

Dreamy takes a flower, a white lily, and displays it in her fingertips. "Flowers. Flowers are the culmination of many elements. Earth for soil. Water and photons for nutrients. Without just one of these, there is no flower. Only with complete combination can flowers create the things that provide for others, like pollen for bees." Dreamy examines all of the superheroes. "We new superheroes represent the aforementioned elements. The Force of Justice, a flower. The Carbonites require our 'pollen.' Is it not folly to walk away from this opportunity?

Dreamy puts the flower in her hair under the hoodie. With excited eyes, a pleased smile, and deep resolve, she declares. "I am Dreamy the Starborn, a Kairissian. Allow me to be the first to offer my... well, all that I am... to the East Force of Justice!"

 

[Silanon]

"But I don't sleep! That's a Carbonite thing. What am I supposed to do with the suite? Would you like it?"

Nisha subtly shakes her head - both in response to the question, and in regards to the person asking it. Few would offer what they don't need without a second thought - most would, in fact, rather let it remain unused than offer it to someone they don't know at all. A different perspective, certainly, one than some could learn from. Exploitable, however, by those of less honorable motivations. One more thing to keep in mind - make sure that Dreamy gets to understand this world, so that this won't end as a short-lived cooperation with a dead alien body in some forgotten back-alley.

"I wouldn't need it, either. These days, I require much less sleep than most humans. For that, my own place here would be more than sufficient." A short pause. "But thanks for the offer. Maybe use the room for something different instead?"

"Hope y'all doin' good," Miles said, then pointed to a small black camera attached to his chest. "Don't worry about this thing by the way, it's turned off. All y'all's secrets are safe with me."

A simple nod was the intended reaction - but the entrance demands a little more than that. "Doing fine", she responds, with the unspoken hint that she was doing better just a moment ago. They were a diverse bunch, even before his arrival. His presence, now, seems to add the exact opposite to what she'd bring to the team herself. Good and useful, likely, but still... it'll be a challenge, working with that one, judging from first impressions alone. "Thanks for that." She nods at the camera, but still eyes it suspiciously, not quite trusting words alone. "What is it there for, anyway?"

"How does it look?" she asks anyone who might be looking at her.

"Looking good, I'd say." As if she's the right person to ask, right? Fashion's something that others can happily waste there time on, she has things to study... Nisha eyes her own hoodie with wariness, but refrains from trying it on herself. A nice gesture, perhaps, but this meeting really should be about business, not about... this. Whatever that means, in detail. Hoodies don't save the world. Showing off doesn't, either. Well, whatever works for him, right? Him being here means he managed to get things done.

Further along on the tour, American Spirit brings you down to the third floor, where he comes to a stop at a beautiful indoor garden and takes a seat on one of the benches there with a relaxed sigh. He says, "This is one of my favorite parts of the tower, the garden. Very relaxing. Lets me get my Zen on." He chuckles, then says, "Well, we have given you the grand tour, and have answered your questions as fully as we can until you agree to sign on with us. All we can do now is ask, do you wish to be a part of this organization? You all do good works by yourselves; just imagine what you can do with a team with our backing."

Dreamy puts the flower in her hair under the hoodie. With excited eyes, a pleased smile, and deep resolve, she declares. "I am Dreamy the Starborn, a Kairissian. Allow me to be the first to offer my... well, all that I am... to the East Force of Justice!"

Inevitably, the tour led to this moment. The reason for the entire meeting, after all, now that the League showed off what'd be at everyone's disposal. Call Nisha impressed, even though she tries not to show it. This place was made with a certain greatness in mind. It has the potential to be what everyone needs, and more. Not surprising, knowing who planned the details. But still. This is an opportunity that'll outweigh the risks. Really, it's what she has right now, just hidden between a handful of people who'd draw all the attention at them instead. Who'd be there when trouble inevitably strikes. For the price of what she already did, just better. With backup, resources, and people who won't learn about the details, but might understand the basics of her life. Will she be wary, watchful? Certainly. But that's the case wherever she goes. The Book teaches secrets, and urges to use them for good. Here, she'll be able to learn, and contribute.

For a moment, Nisha eyes the flower that Dreamy picked up. Considers each word, and finally nods once as the Starborn comes to her conclusion. "Well said. I'll be second, then. Let me be the shadow, so that the sun doesn't burn the leaves." Be what's often forgotten, but necessary. Linger nearby while the others draw the attention. Following an intuition, she takes a knee. The right hand, under the clanging of the chain wrapped around the respective arm, touches the ground of the place that she's about to call her home for the foreseeable future. "Nisha Lewis", she whispers, "Dawn." A pause as she struggles to find the right words. "May the world be brighter and full of hope wherever I leave. May the same hold true for those serving by my side. For those who fear the night, the forbidden and forgotten, I'll stand guard. May we stand united where one would fall." With that, she stands back up, and steps aside. "There are things I can't, and won't, share. Besides that, I offer the League my knowledge and strength, for as long as its goals align with what I deem good, and right."

 

[Psychie]

Deb smiles as she looks around the garden, enjoying the quiet beauty of the place. I can really see myself spending some good quality time here. It is truly wonderful. Finally, she says, "Lady Liberty and American Spirit, I would be honored to be a part of this team."

 

[QuickSmasherEXE]

A simple nod was the intended reaction - but the entrance demands a little more than that. "Doing fine", she responds, with the unspoken hint that she was doing better just a moment ago.

Miles caught that hint.

He didn't like it.

"How does it look?" she asks anyone who might be looking at her.

Chaser gave her a thumbs up. It was as much for her giving him a compliment as it was for her appearance.

"Thanks for that." She nods at the camera, but still eyes it suspiciously, not quite trusting words alone. "What is it there for, anyway?"

"It's for recording," explained Miles in a way best described as greasy. "You know your boy's gotta get good footage of his work." He put away his smirk for a second and answered more plainly. "I do livestreams and uploaded highlights to YouTube. You gotta have seen one of them."

"All we can do now is ask, do you wish to be a part of this organization? You all do good works by yourselves; just imagine what you can do with a team with our backing."

"Allow me to be the first to offer my... well, all that I am... to the East Force of Justice!"

"Besides that, I offer the League my knowledge and strength, for as long as its goals align with what I deem good, and right."

"Lady Liberty and American Spirit, I would be honored to be a part of this team."

Miles walked a bit ahead and looked around the garden. It was nice, but not exactly his speed. He scanned the area for birds.

The speedster turned around to add his voice to theirs. "I'm in and all, but isn't this going to be a west coast team? What do you mean 'East Force of Justice'?"

 

[Purr]

QuickSmasherEXE

Chaser gave her a thumbs up. It was as much for her giving him a compliment as it was for her appearance.

Dreamy saw his thumbs-up. Upon taking a moment to realize what that particular gesture meant to Carbonites, Dreamy smiles returning a thumbs-up of her own. She thought to herself. "Oh, good! My reply brought him joy! I guess I said the right thing this time!"

The speedster turned around to add his voice to the theirs. "I'm in and all, but isn't this going to be a west coast team? What do you mean 'East Force of Justice'?"

Dreamy's shoulders slump. She looks around with an embarrassed expression, her sky-blue eyes retreating into the hood a little. Her hair, once seemingly-filling the shoulders and back sections of the hoodie, seems to vanish and the garment collapses over her skin as if her very hair has disappeared. "Oh, I am terribly sorry! My command of this new language and form of communication is... rudimentary at best and... well... I'm still learning it and have a long way to go. It's even worse with slang." She leans forward, especially to Chaser, for answer while holding out her golden hands as if to help describe her question. "Is it the west side of this continent where this planet sees its star as going over the horizon last or the east side?

"Oh!" she adds quickly. "And what's a... 'YouTube?'"

 

[Purr]

Psychie

There is another mental "knock" at the doors of Luminary and the Dude. If answered, Dreamy's thought-voice enters sounding worried. There is a clear picture in that telepathic message of Dreamy without the hoodie carefully walking through what looks like a busy public library with lots of high school-age students going about their business while some look at Dreamy with a variety of reactions. Dreamy has a book in her hands. She sits down at an empty table, opens it to a bookmarked page, and begins to read and read and read while people pass her by.

"This was me just yesterday in the San Francisco at the Civic Center on Larkin Street. I've been on your planet for 3 whole months. I've studied your language day and night and I'm still running into trouble. Dude? Luminary? Do you have any tips on how to learn about Carbonites and their communication?"

 

[Silanon]

"It's for recording," explained Miles in a way best described as greasy. "You know your boy's gotta get good footage of his work." He put away his smirk for a second and answered more plainly. "I do livestreams and uploaded highlights to YouTube. You gotta have seen one of them."

"I haven't, actually. Mostly been focused on my own work. It's a neat idea, though." Nisha's voice betrays that she's not convinced. He's clearly part of the modern age, where she dwells in the past. Successfully. Putting your work out there so that others can gape in awe; it sounds like a really stupid thing to do. Then again, not everyone here needs to keep a low profile... and that'll work out to her benefit, so who is she to complain about it? Well, as long as it doesn't mean broadcasting her presence here for millions of people out there to notice... "Being known out there means trouble, for me. Eventually. So maybe focus the attention on those worth watching." There are enough of those in the room. Really, anyone but her would be fine. Let them inspire others, she'll do her work in the background.

"Is it the west side of this continent where this planet sees its star as going over the horizon last or the east side?

"The sun rises early in the east. Same initial letters. In case that helps." It might not, alien mind and all, but that's what she was taught as a child. Stuck well enough to remember it now, at least.

"Oh!" she adds quickly. "And what's a... 'YouTube?'"

"Imagine a library, just not for books, but for videos. Short movies." She knew libraries, right? She got excited about those. "But you don't need to go there - you can't, actually. Instead, you can use a computer, or one of the newer phones, to access those videos at any given time and watch them. Instruction videos. Entertainment. Cats. Chaser at work, if I got that right." Nisha shrugs. Words and meanings; that's what she's good with. Well, good enough for a half-decent explanation, at least. Only problem is that there are people around, this time. It's alright to answer that question for Chaser, right? Even if Dreamy mostly asked him? Not like Nisha wanted to draw any attention. That's... other people's style. She points in the man's direction, "He knows better. Not really my world."

 

[D. Rex]

"I will also join," Colt finally said, holding his now folded new hoodie in his arms. Won't say no to free! "I will do my best to add to this team, and lend my technical expertise to the benefit of all of you here."



Purr
"Also, Dreamy Starborn. I can see that you are outfitted with something both comfortable and fireproof. I have suitable materials at my laboratory." He offered.

 

[Psychie]

"This was me just yesterday in the San Francisco at the Civic Center on Larkin Street. I've been on your planet for 3 whole months. I've studied your language day and night and I'm still running into trouble. Dude? Luminary? Do you have any tips on how to learn about Carbonites and their communication?"

Deb gives a silent chuckle through the telepathic link. I have lived my life in this country, and I am still learning things about the language, and Dude has cheated, having learned our language from his link with me. You'll get the hang of it soon enough. Just don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

 

[Purr]

These wonderful Carbonites were just making Dreamy's day!

Nisha's explanation is illuminating! "YouTube is a short movie library? Why, that sounds like TeeVee! My young Carbonite friends put in these shiny discs into their TeeVee and we "binge-watched" Star Trek: The Next Generation together! Oh, it was such a delightful time! And I've learned some important lessons to live by too!" The Kairissian smiles at Nisha and then at Lady Justice.

When Colt Campbell offers to help make fireproof swimsuits, Dreamy could not help but respond with the cutest cry of glee. Just the idea of not accidentally catching things on fire during shoots (again!) gave her such joy. "First 'power armor' and now fireproof swimwear? Colt Campbell, you must be brilliant!"

But it was Deborah's mental reply that made her relax with relief. Help with Carbonite communication! Without communication (especially the kind Carbonites were used to with the ears and mouth and all that), how much could she really learn here? Mean Carbonites or no, culture and communication thus far were her biggest obstacles since landing on Earth (or rather, Earth's ocean). "I'll ask! You'll see! Dude, you are so fortunate to have found a Carbonite so willing to not only merge with you, but share too. And Luminary? You're really sweet!"

Holding her crossed hands over her chest, Dreamy seems like she's giving herself a hug. She admires her new hoodie and looks up to tell you, "You are all so nice and generous! I think you're even sweeter than chocolate!" Dreamy fold her fingers and smiles. "Maybe there's a way I can be nice back? Others tell me I give the best embraces! Or maybe my other talents could make you smile?" Her blue eyes turn to the flower now between her head and hoodie. Some of her hair returned (just enough to hold the flower). Without using her hands, the flower silently slips out of her hoodie and then reenters it from another angle where Dreamy's fingers await. Making a space in her hair for the flower with her fingers, Dreamy looks at the flower and it drifts back into the hoodie and replaces itself as if it had done it all on its own.

To the superheroes who had not yet spoken, Dreamy very curiously looks to each person and asks, "You're not going to be a - what's the word - a sourpuss like Ultraweapon, are you? You're joining us to fight mean people too, aren't you?"

 

[Sherwood]

Every one of the other heroes in the place toss their metaphoric hats into the ring, bringing a wide smile to the faces of the members of the Force of Justice that are there. Francesca gives a nod to each of you in turn, then looks over at Lady Justice. "Well, it seems to be up to you now. Will you sign on with us and be a part of this team? I do hope you say yes."

Epiphany

 

[Epiphany]

While the others had asked their questions and seen the sights, Bryony had watched and listened. Much to consider. For the future, at least. Membership here, however, didn't require a second thought.

"Francesca, you are a credit to heroes everywhere and a personal inspiration for me. I'm honored to even be considered for a place in this team. My answer is an enthusiastic yes." She stepped forward and offered her hand to shake on it. "I look forward to serving with my fellow candidates and the experienced veterans of this team alike. I know we can do great things for the public together."

 

[Sherwood]

The other woman takes Bryony's hand in return and gives a good squeeze. "I am glad to have all of you on with us. It will take several days of orientation to get everyone up to speed on the details of the security features of the tower and get you all processed in, making false information trails to protect anyone that wishes to maintain their secret identity. Now, it is customary to hold a press conference when the Force introduces a new member of the team; with a whole new branch and so many new faces, the press will have a field day. If there is any of you that do not wish to attend the circus and the press feeding frenzy, let Justin know so he can make arrangements accordingly."

 

[Silanon]

It takes Nisha a split-second to respond, if at all. "That would be me, then. The fewer know about my presence, the better I'll do my part. That said, I wouldn't mind being present anonymously, one way or another. If that could be arranged... it's how it begins, after all." Perhaps a mistake, but it's part of it all. One doesn't skip a ritual's first step just because it sounds unpleasant. Avoiding the attention - certainly. Not being there at all? It'd be wrong. Perhaps. And when in doubt, one repeats the step thrice instead of skipping it. Figuratively speaking. No need to go through the ordeal several times.